July 4 Fireworks Spur Explosive Twitter Reactions With 'PTSD' Trending

As the country celebrated the long weekend of July 4 with fireworks, quite a few users on Twitter did not hide their displeasure with the harm caused by the tradition.

While some complained of their PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, being triggered and others sympathized with veterans who have to relive the trauma of war, many also wrote about the damage fireworks cause to the environment and wildlife.

Setting off fireworks isn't restricted to Independence Day. They are set off during the entirety of the holiday weekend and for a few days after July 4, in several parts of the country.

Many highlighted the adverse effects that the booming sounds had on them while several others wrote about trying to calm their pets down through noise pollution.

Dogs and cats have a higher sensitivity to loud noises when compared to humans and are often left trembling in fear due to the incessant sound of firecrackers.

According to Pet Amber Alert, animal control officials report a 30-60% increase in lost pets between July 4 and July 6 due to the loud and unfamiliar sounds from firework displays.

Birds, too, are just as frightened by exploding fireworks as pets, NPR reported.

"Birds are spooked by any kind of loud noise," said Ray Brown, of the "Talking Birds" podcast. "But fireworks, of course, are in the air and are especially loud, so I think that's something birds are not really used to coping with. And these things go on for several minutes."

The celebrations can cause a sensory overload for certain people. While one can avoid huge crowds by seeking solace in the comfort of their homes, escaping loud noises from fireworks and the lingering smell of gunpowder is unavoidable. This works as a trigger, especially for those who have served in the military and participated in protests.

These celebratory displays can spur a full-body response in some people causing them to experience extreme anxiety and hallucinations, according to Popsci.

There are about 16,000 fireworks displays across the country each year making the day, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association. In 2021, Macy's fireworks show, which blasts off over the East River in New York City since 1976, featured over 65,000 shells launched from five different projectiles.

According to Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 10,000 people needed emergency treatment after being injured in fireworks-related accidents in 2019.